You're in the Picture

On January 20, 1961, CBS aired the premiere of a game show called You're in the Picture, hosted by Jackie Gleason. That was also the day of John F. Kennedy's inauguration. You're in the Picture was not good, and was immediately canceled. Whether you even bother to watch the above video is your choice- I only made it halfway through. Be aware that in addition to it being a flop, it also contains the cultural insensitivities common at the time. The next Friday night, January 27, the half-hour time slot was used for Gleason to apologize and explain what happened. Gleason just talking for a half-hour was the real gem.




Thirty minutes of scathing insults for his own show! It was the ultimate in self-deprecating humor, and refreshingly honest. You can read more details about the show at Wikipedia. (via Metafilter)